I want to get off xanax but my family all want me to continue

Question

to take the stuff when I'm scared it'll s***w up my way of thinking and alter my personality and just make me into a monster or something of that sort I just want to know if there's any long term neuron impairment or is it all just temporary? I just feel stupid while on it but it does make me talk a lot more than I normally do and I've found myself being very introspective at times while on it so I mean it seems like the stuff has in a way opened my perspective to things I normally wouldn't think of which isn't to say I like being on the stuff it's just that when I'm on it (which I am right now) I've only been taking it for the past 6 days or so but I'm scarred that I'll be addicted to the stuff what are your opinions on all this people?

Answer 1

Xanax is very effective at controlling severe anxiety. I was prescribed it for that purpose. It can be very addictive though. Do not stop taking it though. I would strongly recommend going to therapy while taking it so you can work on the underlying issues/behaviors that cause the anxiety. They can teach you more effective & long term ways of dealing with even severe anxiety. After you have resolved some of those things, you can taper off and not rely solely on the medication. I am no longer on any type of anti-anxiety agent but that's because i use the "tools" professionals have taught me. Good-luck!

Answer 2

Well, I'm a therapist dealing in addictions and after 6 months you're already "addicted" to it. This being that if you stopped cold turkey you would more than likely go through not only mental, but physical withdrawal.

This is a hard one for me because I am very much for people taking meds when needed, the question is why do you need something like Xanax?

Have you discussed other options like Ativan, Clonazepam?

Xanax is the new Valium and going off it has it's consequences.

If you do plan to go off of it, be careful and taper off, gradually cut down.

You should discuss other options with your psychiatrist, that's what they're there for, for you. To help you.

Good luck

Answer 3

I have been taken xanax for about a year for anxiety. I take .5mg for anxiety but only when i need it. It is very addicting, I had to go to an actual psychiatrist to get it because my primary Dr. did not want me to stay on it because of the addiction part, but it really works when I need it and I am on a very low dose. I was taken .75mg everyday and did get addicted, in fact my primary decided to not refill my xanax with out telling me, so when I went to get the refill it was on a friday and denied. By sunday I was going through with drawls which are not fun. I was told by a friend to see a psych. to get the xanax which is what I am doing right now and I am fine. Only you know what works for you, and if it does keep taking it.

Answer 4

You are not describing side effects of Xanax you are describing BiPolar. I was addicted to Xanax for 15 years and it is higly addictive when used over a long period. If you are taking it for a short time dont worry otherwise ask the doctor to swap it for Valium which is from the same drug family but is less addictive. NEVER stop taking medication without the doctors approval unless it makes you violently ill.

Answer 5

Xanax is one of the most addictive anti-anxiety drugs you can take. It is as addictive as Valium but it does make you relax in social situations. It also impairs your thinking and balance. Your tolerance will build to a point when you will have to take higher doses to overcome extra anxiety so do not get addicted by relying on Xanax. It may make others feel better when you are talkative but you are the one that will have to suffer and chase the drug to get more or be nervous without it. Explain that to them.